In pictures: Popes become saints

For thousands of pilgrims, celebrations began early for the canonisation of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII.

At the height of the ceremony, as many as one million people had thronged into Rome, many thousands packing St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

While dozens of bishops took their seats for the outdoor ceremony...

...pilgrims without ringside seats watched on big screens, some of which showed the ceremony in 3D in churches elsewhere in Italy.

The ceremony's climax came as Pope Francis, in keeping with tradition, was asked three times to accept the candidates' sainthood, accepting on the third request.

Pope Francis was given relics of the new saints, including a drop of blood from John Paul II. It was presented by Floribeth Mora, who claims she was cured of a serious brain condition by a miracle attributed to John Paul.

Among those attending the ceremony was Pope Emeritus Benedict, who stood down as pope because of ill health.

Those celebrating the ceremony were not just in Italy, with special Masses being held as far afield as Mexico City.

Catholics in the Philippines also celebrated with their own mocked up ceremony, featuring several "mini-popes" protected by uniformed faux-Swiss-Guards.

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